The Australian apple farming industry is experiencing a significant decline, according to new data from the NSW Farmers Association. Despite being a staple in Australian households, apple farmers are struggling with static retail prices, which have only increased by 50c per kg over two decades, amid rising production costs. This scenario is forcing producers out of the industry and halving the population of growers since 2000. In major production regions like Hardcourt and Orange, only a handful of apple farmers remain. The industry blames large supermarkets for the minimal increase in retail prices.
Woolworths have said, “We pay the market price for fresh produce and we’re currently paying our apple suppliers more for their fruit than 12 months ago,”.
Imports of apples, mainly from China, have surged, while exports have plummeted to only 1-2% of the nation’s crop, 30 years ago Australia exported one third of our apple harvest. Many farmers, burdened by the financial pressures and unable to secure profitable returns, are being compelled to pivot to other fruits such as cherries or abandon their apple orchards.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2023-10-13/apple-prices-up-50c-in-20-years-nsw-farmers-association-survey/102911276
